Proof that today’s beauty is nothing without branding, this new ‘slow beauty’ make-up launch caught my eye. It’s rare that I’m tempted to buy stuff on Instagram, but this one just hit the spot. Fara Homidi is an NYC make-up artist whose brand Fara Homidi Beauty sits in the Westman Atelier and La Bouche Rouge bracket of ‘clean’ products, superior textures, classic ‘suits-all’ colours and luxe packaging with an anti-hype feel.
There are only a few products (for now) and the photography, casting and beauty styling are superb, if you like that sexy-minimal Self-Service aesthetic. (Clearly, I do.)
The Essential Lip Compacts* are the hero product (someone called them ‘make-up macarons’), like little palm sized delicacies containing half-balm-half-colour to slip in your pocket or purse. Homidi started her career on the Prescriptives counter and sees products that combine prep with finish in a single ‘system’ as the next evolution of cosmetics. The formulations look and sound beautiful and their Instagram is stunning. Consider me influenced.
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WORDS: Disneyrollergirl / Navaz Batliwalla
IMAGES: Zoe Ghertner and Hanna Tveite for Fara Homidi Beauty
NOTE: Most images are digitally enhanced. Some posts use affiliate links* and PR samples. Please read my privacy and cookies policy here
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The story goes that a 1930s businessman and watch collector was tasked with creating a watch for polo players to wear that would withstand the rough and tumble of the game. The result was the sleek JLC Reverso whose case was engineered to flip over to protect the watch face – and back again after the game. 90 years later, there’s a market for mind-bendingly intricate paintings on that smaller-than-postage-stamp caseback, with limited editions models selling for €80,000.
Necklaces are an extension of this two-way trick. Last year Hermès brought out its extremely handsome clochette Kelly (top and below) an anonymous-looking box calf or alligator clochette with a Kelly watch peeking out of it secured on a leather cord. Van Cleef & Arpels’ classic Perlée sautoir watch works as a delightful peekaboo fidgeting device, while Chanel’s Haute Horlogerie lacquer and beaded pendant* has a diamond-dusted lion’s head concealing the watch face (below). This year, Jaeger-LeCoultre also went down the long, lean deco route, with its diamond-dotted and beaded chain dangling a dainty gem-set Reverso watch face (below).
So far, so subtle.
But Bulgari takes things up a whole other level. Its new Cameo Imperiale secret watch necklace (below) boasts a diamond and brilliant-cut ruby-covered cameo profile of Cleopatra on a diamond-bedazzled rose gold chain, opening to reveal a skeleton watch movement inside the case. So macho, so decadent, I love it.
WORDS: Disneyrollergirl / Navaz Batliwalla
IMAGES: Hermès Kelly clochette watch; Bulgari Cameo Imperiale secret watch necklace; Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso secret necklace, Hermès Kelly clochette watch; Chanel Lion watch necklace; Bulgari Cameo Imperiale secret watch necklace
NOTE: Most images are digitally enhanced. Some posts use affiliate links* and PR samples. Please read my privacy and cookies policy here
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I finally made the pilgrimage to Sephora UK! It was good but not as epic as I’d built it up to be. I really like the self-service element – it feels like the only truly self-service beauty store where the advisors aren’t poised to ambush you. And the brand curation is well executed – a good combo of Gen Z buzzy new brands and proven classics. There was a queue, but with literally less than five people in it.
The store itself was very busy, with not enough floor space for all the prams (aka strollers) and frenetic shoppers. I guess that’s a nice problem for Sephora to have. But it also meant a lot of shelves were bare. I made a beeline for Necessaire, Kosas and Rose Inc, but went home with Sephora Collection Brow Gel* (good hold and tiny brush), Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen SPF 30* (a clear matte gel that applies beautifully under make-up) and Byoma Moisturising Gel Cream* (my go-to lightweight moisturiser).
In other beauty newness news…
BYOMA HAS A CLEANSING BALM. I’m very happy Byoma now has a balm cleanser. Its gel cleanser is good but doesn’t have the tactile slip of a balm. This one is perfection with a similar not-too-oily feel to Clinique’s classic Take The Day Off balm. In keeping with Byoma’s skin barrier protecting USP, the Melting Balm Cleanser contains skin-loving niacinamide and ceramides. Buy it here*.
CLINIQUE SPF GEL CREAM.Clinique is an expert in turning its hero products into mini ranges. Its fabulous lightweight Moisture Surge gel-cream now has an SPF counterpart. The new Moisture Surge SPF 25 Sheer Hydrator rehydrates and protects skin against drying elements while defending it against UV rays. Unlike the original translucent gel-cream formula, this one looks opaque but it blends sheer. Buy it here*.
CHANEL’S MAKE-UP MINIS.Chanel’s cult Les Beiges Healthy Glow Bronzing Cream limited edition bronzer minis* are creating a buzz. There are three shades in these travel-friendly 15ml tubs, which means if you’re between shades you can also mix two together. Chanel’s Water-Fresh Tint is still my barely-there foundation of choice (my shade is Light Deep). There’s now a limited-edition 15ml travel size of these too, so don’t snooze if you think you’ll want one. Buy it at Fenwick* and John Lewis*.
LE LABO TRAVEL SET. More minis: Le Labo’s body care travel set is great if you love its Hinoki fragrance. I’m a fan, so I’m fully on board for the Hinoki shampoo, conditioner, shower gel and body cream travel minis. Buy it here*.
SENSORIAL SUNCARE. The shift to position sun care as aspirational skincare is ramping up, and that’s a good thing. Aesthetics and scent are part of that drive, so expect to see more brands jumping on the sensorial sun care train. Darling (below) is a new name to me, based in Italy, but inspired by California dreaming. Its spray and lotion sun-pro products* contain skin-friendly hyaluronic acid, squalene and niacinamide and are scented with a tropical Monoi de Tahiti fragrance. Meanwhile, Kosas’ tinted DreamBeam Silicone-Free Mineral Sunscreen SPF 40 with Ceramides and Peptides* (below) has a similar Glossier-meets-Summer-Fridays vibe to target the Barbie Girl Summer crowd.
DIOR BLOTTERS. Too much sun and sheen? Y2K-era designer blotting papers are back. Hermès brought out its logo blotting sheets* last year and Dior has joined the party with its Dior Backstage Mattifying Sheets. Available at Selfridges* and Fenwick*.
LISA ELDRIDGE LANDS AT SELFRIDGES. In retail news, Lisa Eldridge’s coveted lipsticks, foundations and skincare are finally available on counter. Selfridges Oxford Street has just opened a permanent concessionopening on 1st June along with a dedicated two-week pop-up. Selfridges Manchester Trafford also gets a pop-up from 19 June to 2 July, while Selfridges Birmingham gets one from 10-23 July. Shop Lisa Eldridge at Selfridges here*. (For the origin story, do revisit this fantastic Lisa Eldridge saga of bidding for Audrey Hepburn’sCartier lipstick holder a few years ago.)
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WORDS: Disneyrollergirl / Navaz Batliwalla
IMAGES: Audrey Hepburn; Byoma; Clinique; Chanel; Le Labo; Darling; Kosas; Dior; Lisa Eldridge
NOTE: Most images are digitally enhanced. Some posts use affiliate links* and PR samples. Please read my privacy and cookies policy here
CLICK HERE to get Disneyrollergirl blog posts straight to your inbox once a week CLICK HERE to buy my book, The New Garconne: How to be a Modern Gentlewoman CLICK HEREto buy my beauty book, Face Values: The New Beauty Rituals and Skincare
Summer is officially here and with it, loafer and sandal season. My summer uniform is a rotation of dark Levi’s, slim khaki chinos and pleat-front linen trousers – all ankle-cropped and loafer-friendly. For me, loafers have to show some bare ankle or sock; I don’t rate loafers worn with super-long trousers (however trendy they are atm). But loafers with dresses and skirts, with or without socks are a firm yes.
Grenson has a summer pop-up in its east London store and the two-tone Epsom penny loafers are a major highlight. The women’s yellow* (above) and pink two-tone loafers (below) are made from Italian softie calf leather, which is more flexible and less formal then other leathers. These fondant colourways are such a delight and a change from the usual black.
The colour option for men is cognac and white*, equally holiday-ready, with a touch of The Talented Mr Ripley. It’s giving pleat linen trousers, Bode bowling shirt, a pastel sock and aviators. (This colourway is also available for women online here*.)
The nice thing about the Grenson Epsom loafer is its almond-shaped toe, a more elegant French silhouette compared to my usual American loafers*. The cognac two-tone and black versions (I have the black, here*) are made from a more formal, full-grained calf leather which takes a bit of breaking in. I love the matte finish and solid feel though.
The other style to check out at the pop-up is Grenson’s Queenie fisherman sandal* (below). Again, pretty versatile, with or without ankle socks. Like loafers, I always prefer a fisherman sandal with a hint of ankle on show, so cropped white jeans, Bermuda shorts or any length of skirt are ideal. The Queenie comes in a flat leather sole (my preference), or a chunky lightweight rubber one* for city break pavement-pounding.
While we’re on the subject, a few summer grooming tips to share. I swear by Margaret Dabbs’ fantastic foot file*; use it every week or two to keep soles and heels feeling more burrata than parmesan. Follow up with foot cream. Burt’s Bees Coconut Foot Cream* feels like a greasy ointment but does the job. Or Frederic Malle Musc Ravageur Body Butter* is the luxury choice if you’re feeling fancy. For a DIY pedi, Chanel has reformulated its polishes. I like Incendiare* and the cult Rouge Noir* with their upgraded wider brushes, deeper pigments and high-shine formula. And finally, if you’re looking for sock inspo, you’re in the right place. Revisit my recs here.
The Grenson Summer pop-up* is open until the end of June at Grenson East, 18 Hanbury Street, E1 6QR
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WORDS: Disneyrollergirl / Navaz Batliwalla
IMAGES: Grenson loafers and fisherman sandals
NOTE: Most images are digitally enhanced. Some posts use affiliate links* and PR samples. Please read my privacy and cookies policy here
CLICK HERE to get Disneyrollergirl blog posts straight to your inbox once a week CLICK HERE to buy my book, The New Garconne: How to be a Modern Gentlewoman CLICK HERE to buy my beauty book, Face Values: The New Beauty Rituals and Skincare
